Danso and Bentancur Experience North London Derby Humiliating Afternoons

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya Rarely saw the ball as the Gunners dominated the match. Will be disappointed to have been caught napping by Richarlison. 6

Jurriën Timber Seldom puts a foot wrong and was able to push forward at will. Determination paid off in his key pass for Eberechi Eze's second goal. 8

William Saliba Rarely tested by Tottenham’s defensive tactics. There will be bigger tests to come in the next few weeks without his regular defensive partner. 7

Piero Hincapié Looked assured in deputising for Gabriel Magalhães. Doesn’t possess the Brazilian’s physical prowess but compensates with technique and good decision-making. 7

Riccardo Calafiori Hadn’t trained all week due to a hip problem but didn’t look sluggish. Provides Arsenal with fantastic energy all over the field. 8

Martín Zubimendi Controlled the game from the midfield anchor with typical authority. Fortunately, his mistake in losing possession for Richarlison’s goal didn’t affect the outcome. 7

Declan Rice Should have done better with early chance but can never question his work rate. Tottenham could not cope with his marauding runs from midfield. 8

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the team he turned down in the summer. Produced a moment of brilliance to score a brilliant first before superb finishes for his next two goals. 9

Bukayo Saka A few handbags with Udogie in the first half before coming alive. Enjoyed celebrating Eze’s hat-trick almost as much as the goal-getter did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a willing runner playing up front and provided a moment of class with a exquisite pass for the left winger's goal. 8

Leandro Trossard Expertly took his goal. Will be difficult to displace him from the left flank once the rest of Arsenal’s forward players return. 8

Subs: Noni Madueke (for Trossard, 78) A welcome return from knee injury 7; Ethan Nwaneri (for Merino, 86) n/a; Cristhian Mosquera (for Hincapie, 86) n/a; Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Calafiori, 90) n/s

Spurs Squad Ratings

Guglielmo Vicario Two decent saves as he mastered the art of timewasting in the first half. No chance with any of the Arsenal strikes. 6

Kevin Danso Made a nervous start after being introduced to a back three. Expected that he was replaced at the break. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a dependable last line of defence but could not cope with Arsenal’s constant pressure. Added to his misery by receiving a booking that means he is now suspended. 5

Micky van de Ven The quick Dutchman came to his team's rescue on several instances. Yet he was unable to stop Arsenal once they found their rhythm. 6

Djed Spence Far too slow to respond to stop the winger's goal and found himself under pressure. A testing occasion for the England defender. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon struggling to keep up. Could have done much more to stop Eze from dribbling through to score his opening goal. 4

João Palhinha Put himself about in the center but was guilty of leaving an enormous space for the playmaker to capitalise on twice. 5

Destiny Udogie Found it tough to handle Saka. At fault for Arsenal’s third and question marks remain about his defensive abilities. 5

Wilson Odobert Was difficult to work out what position he had been asked to fulfil. Couldn’t get any success out of the defender. 5

Richarlison Found it hard to make any impact in the first half. But his excellent lob at least gave Tottenham something to cling on to. 7

Mohammed Kudus Virtually anonymous aside from a couple of encouraging early moments. Needs more service but spends too much time on the periphery. 5

Subs: Xavi Simons (for Danso, ht) Made a impact with willingness to drive forward with ball 6; Pape Sarr (for Odobert, 67) Added some drive 6; Randal Kolo Muani (for Bentancur, 67) Looked slow 5; Brennan Johnson (for Kudus, 78) The game was already over 6; Pedro Porro (for Spence, 78) Ended game exchanging words with the midfielder 6.

Michael Herrera
Michael Herrera

Maya is a tech journalist and AI researcher with a passion for exploring how emerging technologies shape our digital future.